A report was published on 16 December that reveals the Department of Health is wasting millions on high numbers of unnecessary hospital admissions.
The report focuses on services provided for people with motor neurone disease, MS and Parkinson’s. It shows that between 2005 and 2010 there has been an increase in spending of £1.7 billion for neurological services, but that the Department of Health has no understanding of how this extra money has benefited patients. This increase represents 2.6 per cent to 4.0 per cent of total NHS expenditure between 2005 and 2010.
Problems with services and admissions
Despite the increased funding, the report demonstrates that there are still significant problems with services, including long delays in receiving a diagnosis, lack of access to information and care that is fragmented and poorly coordinated.
The report also reveals that in 2010 emergency admissions to hospital increased by 32 per cent for neurological patients, compared to 17 per cent for the NHS as a whole. As well as putting a significant strain on the NHS, this has a severe impact on the well-being of patients and their families.
What we’re asking for
Alongside the MS Society, Parkinson’s UK, MND Association and the Neurological Alliance, we are urging the Government to implement changes recommended in the report and create a targeted and properly resourced national outcomes strategy for neurological conditions.
An outcomes strategy specific to neurology would help to reduce the suffering endured by people with neurological conditions and deliver value for the public purse.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society and Chair of NCS, said:
‘Every time a person is admitted to A&E because of their MS, the health and social care system has failed. When people with MS are properly supported in managing their condition, there should be no reason for unplanned admissions, which cost both patients and the NHS dearly.
‘MS specialist nurses play a critical role in providing this support and coordinating care, but with one MS nurse to every 454 people, these posts are sadly rare and many are at threat due to short-sighted budget cuts.’
Read the full National Audit Office report at www.nao.org.uk.